Running in to winter with love…

I know for many of you winter can wreak havoc on training. I mean I’ve been there, I spent years trudging through the slushy streets of Kansas City to get ready for a Spring race.

But now, well…I can’t wait for winter!!!

Orlando gets far chillier than Miami ever did, but for me it’s a respite from the months of heat and humidity which results in faster running. Yet, I do also travel back to the Midwest for family gatherings and I know that we need to make a few adjustments.

Together let’s embrace the “I CAN DO THIS” spirit and commit to not letting the weather derail our training plans, we’ve got goals to reach.INDOOR WARM-UPOne of the first things you can do is start doing a quick warm up indoors while fully dressed in your gear. It gets you out the door feeling a little overly warm so that initial hit of cold air isn’t quite so bad!

Before you get started, set your GPS watch on a windowsill or outside on your porch to avoid time spent standing around outside. If you have the satellites turned on to remember your previous location it should connect, while you’re inside warming up.

Avoid all static stretching and increase circulation with the following series of dynamic movements:

Hip circles

Knee circles

Leg swings

Squats

Trunk rotations

Now that your muscles are warmed up, it’s time to get your heart pumping faster. Spend the next two minutes performing this sequence of fast-paced moves:

Jumping jacks

Front lunges

Side lunges

Squat jumps

MOTIVATIONAll right so we covered what will help get you out the door injury free…but what about literally getting you out the door!

Get on those dry fit layers and let’s do it! That’s right here I am in multiple layers many times over for different training runs and races! It’s possible to get out there and have a lot of fun with the right gear.Challenges: Join a challenge group like our Holiday Sweat where you can find hundred of others who are pushing themselves to stay on track. You’ll get motivated by their actions and the accountability.

Habits: I’ve talked about habits a million times, but it becomes even more important in the winter. Once you get on a schedule your body actually adapts to it and begins to get ready for workouts before you even start! That’s right you could be burning extra calories by having a schedule!

Treadmill: I’m a HUGE fan of the treadmill because it can actually make you faster, so checkout these 7 boredom busting workouts if you need a little extra kick to use it when the weather is just really unbearable.

New Gear: Hey training in a new season is the perfect excuse to buy new cute workout gear {without breaking the bank}! Every runner I know says new gear is one of the quickest ways to re-motivate themselves.

Do what you love: If you truly hate everything about winter running, then stop!! Use this as your time for cross training in the gym, on the bike, in the pool, take a Zumba class or go nuts and complete the full Insanity program. You’ll come back stronger and happier for spring training.

Since we can’t change the weather let’s get pumped..What do you love about winter running?

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Website written, managed and maintained by Amanda Brooks. I am a certified personal trainer, but any advice should be taken as general information and not a personalized plan. All opinions, tips and reviews are based upon my personal life experience and the experiences of those around me. View my full review policy.